I was surprised to visit my MyChurch page this morning and find the following as our daily scripture, especially since I had just received the lesson, "Faith in the Dry Seasons," from another friend; Since the two were so closely related, I thought today might be a good day to share this lesson. Keeping the faith, BK
3:17 Though the fig tree do not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
My friend wrote me about his marriage. "It is a dry season for us," he admitted to me as a confidant. "There has been much stress of late and very little hope of relief in the near future. But we press on. We find our joy in little things. I am thankful for her, and I know she feels secure in my love for her."
There is something wise, deep, and very spiritual about that perspective. It stayed in my mind for days. It lets me know he is the good and decent man I thought him to be. My respect for him has grown from what he saw as a sad confession of a dry season in his marriage. How fortunate is his beloved wife!
Then there was the voicemail from another friend. "Please call as soon as you have time," she said. There was an urgency to her request that I recognized. My fear was that it reflected a struggle that has been going on in her life for almost three years now. So I phoned almost immediately. And she told about the feelings that were tugging at her. The addiction will not turn loose, but she is determined not to be dragged down without a fight. Then she used the term. "I feel like I am in a dry place with my life," she lamented. "After the divorce, I am so lonely -- and vulnerable. I need something to fill the void in my soul. But the closest and easiest things are the ones I know will only make the pain worse. It is so hard not to give in, and I just don't know if I can hold on much longer."
This afternoon, I sat down to think about what might be worth sharing with you. In order to focus my thoughts, I pulled down my much-valued copy of a devotional collection of writings from C.S. Lewis. There, on a page already dog-eared, was this highlighted line: "Hence the prayers offered in the state of dryness are those which please God best."
It reveals who we really are!
Do you hear the recurring theme? My friend's marriage is in a "dry season." Another's personal life feels like "a dry place." Now I read about praying when one's soul is in a "state of dryness." Is it a sign of sorts to a theme worth thinking about? Or is it just the ongoing truth of the human condition? Life is not all fun and games, and relationships -- even with God -- are hard to maintain. We go dry.
What one does in those times of dryness reveals who she really is! To use it as the excuse for walking away, giving in, or giving up says one thing. To see it as a time of testing when holy purpose must trump inconsistent feelings and commitment must be put above momentary desire says something very different.
Maybe an ancient writer was experiencing this same testing of faith in a dry season when he wrote these beautiful lines: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God" (Psalm 42:1). I hope he survived his dry season and found renewal. I pray as much for you.
--------- (c) 2008 Used by permission. From Rubel Shelly <rshelly@rc.edu>'s "FAX of Life" printed each Tuesday. See Faith Matters for previous issues of the "FAX of Life."
-- "The control center of your life is your attitude." ~ Norman Cousins
There have been many posts concerning the upcoming election, and it's a great relief to realize that so many in the Christian community are "plugged in" to the importance of this election. No matter which side you're on, you have to know that the outcome is bound to make history.
As I've said before, I don't care who you vote for--just that you do--and most importantly, be an informed voter! Take the time to look behind the screaming headlines of what the candidates accuse each other of doing or what they intend to do, and find out about the real people behind the public persona.
That being said, being a Christian and a Patriot, I was appalled to hear a woman on a national talk show say, "I don't want religionin my politics!" What??? This is still America, isn't it? Sadly, such sentiments are becoming pervasive across our country. Yes, everyone has the right to their own opinions, and to worship, (or not), as they choose. These are things that make America the great nation it is. But statements such as these are undermining the very foundation of our country.
Are we not still "one nation under God," or have we allowed ourselves to become fooled into thinking we can stand alone without His help? And what about the candidates? Do they put God in their politics, or do they try to put religion into a neat little package that can be whipped out and displayed only when it suits their purpose?
We all know that politicians make empty promises. They say what they need to say to get elected. Knowing that, we need to wake up and realize that there is more at stake here than meets the eye. It's not just about fixing the economy, ending the war in Iraq, world peace, or feeding the hungry. It's about uniting for a common cause, and as Christians, don't we owe it to ourselves to insure that that cause is not only preserving the basic ideals this country was founded upon, but making sure that our elected officials--on every level--remember to keep God in politics?
So please, before you vote, carefully weigh the alternatives, then ask God for his divine guidance. And after all the celebrations and concessions are done, remember to keep our nation's leaders in your prayers, whether your candidate emerges victorious or not. None us can afford not to.
Cheryl, a friend of mine here on MyChurch.org, posted this video on her blog last week. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it with all of you. Not only does it have a beautiful message, but the song is wonderful as well. Thanks so much, Cheryl!! I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did. Have a great weekend.
Sometimes we forget that we are not only asked to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ, but all of God's creatures. I am lifting up Carol today, who is making a difference in the lives of some of God's most beautiful and gentle creatures. She spends countless hours, caring for, and finding loving homes for Greyhounds. Some of them have been abandoned or abused, and Carol's ministry to them is undertaken with extraordinary love and devotion.
In addition to her work with Greyhound rescue, Carol is an accomplished musician with the voice of an angel, who shares her amazing talents with us every week.
Below is a message from I received from her today, requesting our help. If you can, please go to the link she provided and vote for her group EVERY DAY, until the contest ends on Oct. 1st. If you can't vote every day, just do it when you can. She really needs our support. ******************************************************************************
Original message from Carol : -------------- Greetings Friends, As many of you know, I run a greyhound rescue group here in Orlando. We could sure use your help and it will only take a second!! I just found out there's a voting contest at Pet Finder where pet rescue groups can win $5000. I know it's along shot, but go here:
http://www.petfinder.com/disasterprep Click on Vote Here - put in an F, choose Florida, put in an O, choose Orlando, then a G and choose Gods Greyts!!
You can vote once a DAY until the contest is over on October 1st. If you send this to everyone you know, maybe we'll have a chance! I apologize if you get this more than once. Many thanks for your support! God's Greyts Greyhound Group, Inc. http://www.godsgreyts.com Assistance Harnesses and Cow Hide Collars: http://tinyurl.com/ytzm8c
